Finding a cure for DJ!
Donation protected
Hello and I'd like to thank each and everyone of you that will take the time to read. I'd like to introduce myself. I am, Felicia Davis, the mother of DJ (Odell Jr) & this story is about how we (Dj's father & I) came to the daunting choice of considering a Bone Marrow Transplant for DJ.
Since birth Dj was a finicky baby. After bringing him home from the hospital, he cried night after night, even after being consoled, fed, diaper changed, and more. Deep within, I always thought something was wrong. I suffered from postpartum depression. It was a challenge within itself. As DJ grew older, he started to have acute infections back to back, ie. Ear infections, sinus infections, sepsis. We battled many nights at the hospital, often times leaving without a known cause of his illnesses. At close to 2 years old, we discovered that DJ had Sickle Cell Anemia, a very horrible disease, affecting every thing and every cell in the body. I was crushed because this diagnosis was missed at birth and Dj had been suffering because of the ugly disease since birth. That explained his many nights of crying. He was often in pain, unbeknownst to his father and I. Well, learning that, sent me into deep depression again. I wasn't able to work. DJ continued to require frequent hospital visits and stays. At just the age of 1 and age 7 , we almost lost our child to this illness. He suffered from a stroke and also experienced an allergic reaction to blood transfusion.
We fought as much as we could in our hometown in Southwest Ga, unfortunately, pediatric hematologists are far, few, and primarily unavailable! We made the decision to move to southwest Atlanta around 5 years ago, to gain access to better healthcare. It was a great decision. He is treated by CHOA for his disease.
Sadly with this disease, trouble always hides and comes out with no prior warning. DJ suffered from Avascular Necrosis to his right hip and 2019 and required surgery to attempt to relieve the excruciating pain. The injured hip left him with a limp and a need for a hip replacement once he is about 21 years old. At the age of 15, he doesn't have a great quality of like. Like other 15 yr old kids, he can't play sports, he can't run and jump, he can't attend school, and he is limited to the things that he's able to do as a child. Our hearts ache for him.
With the discovery of continue problems, his father and I have decided to move forward with getting a transplant. We have had extensive conversations with DJ and considered his feelings and wishes. He also wants to take this path. With a transplant, its very risky, not 100%, and requires parents to spend months with their child going thru this. We are both self-employed and would need any assistance that we can, in order to get a cure for our son. We would appreciate even the smallest donations to help us facilitate being by our son's side and still being able to maintain home. If you choose cash, please send to $OdellDavisJr15
I've dedicated my career as a nurse to take care of others and now I have to take care of my son. Thanks for listening.
For anyone that would like consider donating blood or marrow to possible help DJ or someone else, you may sign up at:
https://join.bethematch.org/s/landing?language=en_US&ref=marrow17&utm_campaign=google_paid&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=sitelink_join_the_registry&gclid=Cj0KCQiAs5eCBhCBARIsAEhk4r4A74wbXtqDQMLMMznXvL0LTqMAG6E11DMxuVzxjCCsK0ixWHvKopcaAs4LEALw_wcB
Since birth Dj was a finicky baby. After bringing him home from the hospital, he cried night after night, even after being consoled, fed, diaper changed, and more. Deep within, I always thought something was wrong. I suffered from postpartum depression. It was a challenge within itself. As DJ grew older, he started to have acute infections back to back, ie. Ear infections, sinus infections, sepsis. We battled many nights at the hospital, often times leaving without a known cause of his illnesses. At close to 2 years old, we discovered that DJ had Sickle Cell Anemia, a very horrible disease, affecting every thing and every cell in the body. I was crushed because this diagnosis was missed at birth and Dj had been suffering because of the ugly disease since birth. That explained his many nights of crying. He was often in pain, unbeknownst to his father and I. Well, learning that, sent me into deep depression again. I wasn't able to work. DJ continued to require frequent hospital visits and stays. At just the age of 1 and age 7 , we almost lost our child to this illness. He suffered from a stroke and also experienced an allergic reaction to blood transfusion.
We fought as much as we could in our hometown in Southwest Ga, unfortunately, pediatric hematologists are far, few, and primarily unavailable! We made the decision to move to southwest Atlanta around 5 years ago, to gain access to better healthcare. It was a great decision. He is treated by CHOA for his disease.
Sadly with this disease, trouble always hides and comes out with no prior warning. DJ suffered from Avascular Necrosis to his right hip and 2019 and required surgery to attempt to relieve the excruciating pain. The injured hip left him with a limp and a need for a hip replacement once he is about 21 years old. At the age of 15, he doesn't have a great quality of like. Like other 15 yr old kids, he can't play sports, he can't run and jump, he can't attend school, and he is limited to the things that he's able to do as a child. Our hearts ache for him.
With the discovery of continue problems, his father and I have decided to move forward with getting a transplant. We have had extensive conversations with DJ and considered his feelings and wishes. He also wants to take this path. With a transplant, its very risky, not 100%, and requires parents to spend months with their child going thru this. We are both self-employed and would need any assistance that we can, in order to get a cure for our son. We would appreciate even the smallest donations to help us facilitate being by our son's side and still being able to maintain home. If you choose cash, please send to $OdellDavisJr15
I've dedicated my career as a nurse to take care of others and now I have to take care of my son. Thanks for listening.
For anyone that would like consider donating blood or marrow to possible help DJ or someone else, you may sign up at:
https://join.bethematch.org/s/landing?language=en_US&ref=marrow17&utm_campaign=google_paid&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=sitelink_join_the_registry&gclid=Cj0KCQiAs5eCBhCBARIsAEhk4r4A74wbXtqDQMLMMznXvL0LTqMAG6E11DMxuVzxjCCsK0ixWHvKopcaAs4LEALw_wcB
Organizer
Fee Davis
Organizer
McDonough, GA